Vallon-Pont-d'Arc suits active families who want a pool and the canoe trip through the Gorges de l'Ardèche, which begin at Vallon. The Pont d'Arc, a 60-metre natural stone arch, gave the town its name. As the region's canoeing hub it draws plenty of visitors, and you will need a car.
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is a small town of about 2,500 people in the Ardèche valley, where the Ibie joins the Ardèche and the roughly 30 km gorges begin. It is the main base for canoeing and outdoor holidays in the area, and the town is built around that trade. Louis XIII had the old fortifications pulled down in 1628, and since 1827 the town hall has occupied the château. A regular market in the centre sells regional produce, and the GR 4F walking trail passes the town. The homes are spread around the town; most have a pool, some a sauna, and none sleeps more than seven. Check each listing.
The 60-metre natural stone arch that gave the town the second half of its name, close to where the gorges begin.
A replica of the Chauvet Cave, whose paintings are among the oldest known of their kind; the original cave is closed to the public.
An old silver-mining town in the narrow Ligne valley, with a château built against the rock above the town.
Montpellier airport is a little under two hours away by car. Public transport from there involves trains and a taxi or bus and takes four hours or more. With public transport this slow, a car is the practical way to arrive and to get around the gorges.
Yes. The Gorges de l'Ardèche, about 30 km long, begin at Vallon, and the town is the area's main base for canoeing and outdoor holidays, so expect company on the water.
Not the original: discovered in 1994, it is closed to the public. You can visit Grotte Chauvet 2 Ardèche instead, a replica built for visitors, showing paintings that are among the oldest known of their kind.
About 60 metres. The natural stone arch gave the town the second part of its name and draws visitors to the head of the gorges.
Yes, a regular market is held in the town centre, selling a range of regional products. Check the day locally before you plan around it.
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed November 2026.
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